Use Cortana with Microsoft Band

Phones can use Cortana with Microsoft Band for common tasks like replying to texts, taking notes, setting reminders, and more.

With Cortana on your Band, you can access your personal assistant for instant notifications of important events, communications, and voice-active info without reaching for your phone. Speak into the mic on your Band to get Cortana to take notes, set reminders, fetch facts, and more.

On your Windows Phone

You may have turned on Cortana when you set up your phone. If you did, you'll see Cortana when you press the Search button on your phone. If you press the Search button and see the Bing image of the day, Cortana isn't on.

On your Android

If you’re running Android, you will need to download the Cortana app from the Google Store to enable the functionality on your phone. Once installed, ensure Cortana and all applicable notification services for the app are turned on.

Default functionality for Cortana on Android is a little different than on Windows Phone, so you may need to look for the app in the full app list.

Since the Cortana app needs to be installed on your phone, the tile is not “on” by default on your Band. Once you have the Cortana app installed, you will need to toggle it on in the Band app. Here’s how:

Tap Menu > Manage Tiles.

Toggle ON Cortana.

In the Microsoft Band app on your phone

In the Microsoft Band app on your phone, tap Menu> Manage Tiles and swipe left to turn on Cortana.

Speak to Cortana on your Band

Cortana uses the mic on your Band to listen when you speak. You can use Cortana any time, even when the display is off or during a run or workout. Your phone has to be within 30 feet of your Band.

Step 1:

Press and hold the action button on your Band for two seconds. Cortana will begin listening and will open the Cortana app on your phone.

Step 2:

Speak clearly into the mic (located to the left of the touchscreen on your Band).

After you speak, Cortana opens on your phone and responds to your request.

Step 3:

Next, Cortana’s reply will display on your Band.

Or Cortana will let you know if you need to view the reply on your phone.

Reply to texts with Cortana (Windows Phone only)

With Windows Phone 8.1 or greater, you can reply to text messages on your Band with Cortana.

Remove the Cortana Tile from your Band

You can remove the Cortana Tile from your Band. If you do, you can still speak to Cortana through the mic on your Band, but you won’t see any Cortana updates on your Band. To learn how to remove tiles, see Manage tiles and notifications.